West Point, California

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West Point, California
Location in Calaveras County and the state of California
Location in Calaveras County and the state of California
Coordinates: 38°23′57″N 120°31′46″W / 38.39917, -120.52944
Country United States
State California
County Calaveras
Area
 - Total 3.7 sq mi (9.7 km²)
 - Land 3.7 sq mi (9.7 km²)
 - Water 0 sq mi (0 km²)
Elevation 2,769 ft (844 m)
Population (2000)
 - Total 746
 - Density 201.6/sq mi (76.9/km²)
Time zone Pacific (PST) (UTC-8)
 - Summer (DST) PDT (UTC-7)
ZIP code 95255
Area code(s) 209
FIPS code 06-84732
GNIS feature ID 0255226

West Point is a census-designated place (CDP) in Calaveras County, California, in the United States. As of the 2000 census, the CDP population was 746. The town is registered as California Historical Landmark #268. There is an annual West Point Lumberjack Days festival in the community. Walton's Mountain Winery & Vineyard is West Point's First Winery that opened in 2006.

Contents

[edit] History

West Point was named by scout Kit Carson, who was searching for a pass over the Sierra Nevada. One emigrant road forked by Big Meadows — its north branch came directly to West Point, which was a thriving trading post prior to the gold discovery. Author Bret Harte lived here for a time.

[edit] Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 3.7 square miles (9.7 km²), all of it land.

[edit] Demographics

As of the census[1] of 2000, there were 746 people, 305 households, and 203 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 199.4 people per square mile (77.0/km²). There were 345 housing units at an average density of 92.2/sq mi (35.6/km²). The racial makeup of the CDP was 82.04% White, 1.21% Black or African American, 8.18% Native American, 0.67% Asian, 2.82% from other races, and 5.09% from two or more races. 8.04% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 305 households out of which 25.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 46.6% were married couples living together, 14.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 33.4% were non-families. 26.6% of all households were made up of individuals and 13.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.43 and the average family size was 2.86.

In the CDP the population was spread out with 24.4% under the age of 18, 5.9% from 18 to 24, 20.0% from 25 to 44, 30.0% from 45 to 64, and 19.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 45 years. For every 100 females there were 84.7 males. For every 100 over, there are 85.5 males.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $25,417, and the median income for a family was $27,794. Males had a median income of $24,028 versus $22,500 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $11,439. About 28.2% of families and 33.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 45.3% of those under age 18 and 15.7% of those age 65 or over.

[edit] Politics

In the state legislature West Point is located in the 1st Senate District, represented by Republican Dave Cox, and in the 25th Assembly District, represented by Republican Tom Berryhill. Federally, West Point is located in California's 3rd congressional district, which has a Cook PVI of R +7[2] and is represented by Republican Dan Lungren.

[edit] References

  1. ^ American FactFinder. United States Census Bureau. Retrieved on 2008-01-31.
  2. ^ Will Gerrymandered Districts Stem the Wave of Voter Unrest?. Campaign Legal Center Blog. Retrieved on 2007-10-20.

[edit] External links

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